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TDECU Community Champions

TDECU Community Champions

We Make Home Happen™ for our community champions.

We are ready for you!

Start the approval process online, or reach out to us in one of the following ways:

Welcome Home

Having a place to call home in your community is important. The TDECU Community Champions program is designed to help Members who selflessly serve our communities achieve their dream of homeownership.

 

Who qualifies for the Community Champions program?
Active and retired individuals in the following preofessions:

  • Military personnel
  • Education professionals and administrative staff
  • First responders
  • Law enforcement officers
  • Healthcare professionals
  • Employees of 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations

*As a Community Champion, you’ll enjoy:

1.50% lender credit plus competitive loan rates

1.50% lender credit plus competitive loan rates

Up to 100% financing

Up to 100% financing

Convenient, fast applications and closing

Convenient, fast applications and closing

Simple automatic mortgage payments from your TDECU account

Simple automatic mortgage payments from your TDECU account

Selecting the right home loan for you

One of the most important steps in buying a home is choosing the right mortgage. We offer a range of TDECU exclusive loans to fit your unique needs.

 

103% American Dream Mortgage ARM1

An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) loan with no down payment requirement and an option to roll in up to 3% of the closing costs. Offers a fixed rate for the first 7 years of the loan term.

9.38%

Interest Rate

9.50%

APR

30 year

Term

 

Easy in 30 Purchase Fixed

A 30-year fixed rate loan with no down payment requirements.

7.75%

Interest Rate

7.86%

APR

30 year

Term

Conventional loan options

We also offer conventional loans including 30 and 15-year fixed, FHA, and VA loans.

Conforming 30-Year Fixed

This loan type is the most common, with a fixed interest rate and payments spread over 30 years. Even if rates rise, your payment will remain the same.

Interest Rate

7.13%

APR

7.18%

Conforming 15-Year Fixed

A fixed-rate loan with payments spread over 15 years. You pay more each month, but you build equity quickly and spend less in interest over the life of the loan.

Interest Rate

6.25%

APR

6.41%

FHA 30-Year Fixed

A loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration for low- to moderate-income home buyers with low down payments and lower credit score requirements.

Interest Rate

6.75%

APR

8.38%

VA 30-Year Fixed

A low-interest rate loan guaranteed by the Veterans Administration for veterans and active service members. Benefits include relaxed credit requirements, no or low down payment, and no private mortgage insurance.

Interest Rate

6.75%

APR

7.09%

Jumbo 7/1 ARM

An adjustable rate loan to purchase or refinance a luxury home. Also available as a home equity loan. Offers a fixed rate for the first 7 years of the loan term.

Interest Rate

8.75%

APR

8.87%

Amount

Starting at $806,501.00

The Home-Buying Process

Let’s start with an overview of the major steps of applying for a home loan.

Compare Rates and Loans

Use our rates chart and calculator tools to determine the best loan for you.

Get Pre-Qualified

Find out how much you’re pre-approved to borrow. Fill out the application online and get a decision within days.

Find a Home

Now that you know how much you can borrow, start looking for houses in your price range.

Submit Application

When you find the right home, submit your loan application. Your pre-qualification is good for 90 days.

Tips to avoid paying closing costs

Closing costs can be a major expense on top of your down payment, often totaling thousands of dollars. These additional fees can include appraisals, inspections, loan processing fees, and title searches. Here are some ways to help you cut down your closing costs.

Negotiate with the seller

If the seller is motivated to see the deal go through, you may be able to negotiate with them to pay the closing costs. 

Check with HUD

Your local office of Housing and Urban Development might be able to provide assistance.

Talk to a Mortgage Loan Advisor

Credit unions like TDECU have a range of home loan options to minimize closing costs.

Community Champions FAQs

Who can qualify as a Community Champion?

Qualifying Community Champions include, but are not limited to firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, law enforcement, and all other first responders. All ranks of military, reserves of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Guard, and Coast Guard. All nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. Also, Pre-K, elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educators, teachers, professors, paraprofessionals, and education administrative staff. Employees of non-profit organizations with an active 501(c)(3) designation.

Are any other requirements needed to qualify for the Community Champions discount?

a. Yes, to fully qualify, eligible borrowers must set up an escrow account and set up auto pay from a TDECU deposit account.

b. The escrow account must remain active for the life of the loan.

Do retired first responders, educators, or retired military personnel qualify for this program?

Yes, retirees in the identified fields may qualify assuming they can provide income/asset documentation that is verifiable through standard 3rd parties.

Is there a specific position you are looking for in each line of work to qualify?

No, this is open for all who are retired, employed, or work to support Community Champions.

Is this for primary residence only or all products? Investment? Land?

The Community Champions program can be applied to any loan product that is for the purpose of PURCHASING a primary residence.

Are construction loans included as an eligible loan product, if it will be used as a primary residence?

A construction loan is not considered an eligible loan product regardless of the occupancy.

Is the Community Champion promo limited to one use, or can it be used on multiple loan requests of the champion qualifies?

The Commuity Champion promo is only available for the purchase of a primary residence. If the borrower requests a new loan and meets all other loan requirements for the purchase of a new primary residence, they are eligible to receive the credit.

Can the promotional lender credit be used as a down payment?

No, lender credits cannot be utilized for the purpose of a down payment. However it can be used to offset other costs associated with the loan such as closing costs or discount points for rate buydowns.

Can the promotional lender credit be used to buy down the rate?

Yes, the lender credit can be used to offset closing costs, discount pooints for rate buydowns, and/or present a more competitive loan offer.

Can some of the promotional lender credit be given back at closing?

No, any overages from the lender credit cannot be given back at closing. However, you can utilize any overages for closing costs or discount points for rate buy downs.

Is there a minimum loan amount needed to qualify for the Community Champion promo?

Not to qualify for the promo. Minimum/maximum loan amount will be based on product selection.

What documentation does the borrower need to provide to qualify for the promo?

In most cases, just a current paystub or retirement/asset statement showing affiliation with a qualifying field. If it's a new teacher, it could be school transcripts or an offer letter from the school district.

Can the promo be combined with other promotions?

No, the Community Champions discount cannot be applied with other promotional offers. Qualifying borrowers are still eligible for rate discounts such as Relationship Based Pricing.

Ready to get started?

We are ready for you! Start the approval process online, or reach out to us in one of the following ways: 

1 ARM = Adjustable Rate Mortgage. Loans subject to credit approval. Example for a 3.25% APR on a $160,000 loan will require a monthly principal and interest payment of $696.33 for 30 years. Payment does not include taxes and insurance so actual payment obligation will be greater. ARMs are variable and the rate may increase after the original fixed rate period. Certain terms and conditions may apply.

 

*Offer valid for active-duty and retired individuals in the following eligible professions and are subject to verification: first responders (paramedics and firefighters); healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians, and other trained caregivers); law enforcement officers; military personnel; education professionals (teachers and administrative staff); individuals currently employed with a 501(c)(3) organization (must be verified through IRS). Applicants must provide verifiable income from their employer group. Qualifying applicants must provide paystub or certification to confirm eligibility during initial application. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Offer applies to purchases of primary single-family residences with a minimum loan amount of $50,000.00. Eligible applicants may receive a lender credit of 1.5%, not to exceed $7,500. Escrow account and auto draft for monthly payment from a TDECU account required. Certain terms and conditions apply. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offers. Credit approval required. Additional restrictions may apply. TDECU Membership is required.